Chapter 1
Alvin's Pov.
I gave my reflection a final glimpse in the mirror before grabbing my phone and dashing out of my room, descending the stairs in the most carefree way ever.
Today, I finally get to tell her how I feel. Even though I wasn't sure how she felt, I was not going to chicken out today.
"I'm off to see Daniella, Dad," I yelled at the top of my voice.
Do not stay out too long. You know what today is, right?
Yes, I do, Dad. I won't stay out too long, I promise. I love you.
I love you too.
Daniella and I were already fixed to be married even before we were born. Both our parents are really close friends and wanted their bond to strengthen. I didn't fancy the arrangements in a way, but with time I grew quite fond of Daniella and came to love her.
My mom died of cancer two years ago; that was the most horrifying time of my life. I watched her try to cheat death, but sadly she was no match for it. Daniella stood by me, comforted me, made me feel I wasn't alone. She helped me move past my grief and made me smile again. Eventually, I fell in love with her. I mean, who wouldn't? She's beautiful, kind, throws the cutest tantrums… she makes me laugh so hard my cheeks hurt. Who wouldn't fall for that?
I got to my destination, paid the cab guy before getting out of the car. I stared at the beautiful sight of Daniella and exhaled a soft sigh. Her gentle smile and cute dimples sent shivers through my system. I had taken my time to think this through, although I wasn't sure of the outcome, I was sure I wasn't going to back down.
As I walked into the coffee shop, a surge of fear filled my heart, but I managed to calm myself down. With my clenched heart and wobbling legs, I walked up to her.
"Hi Daniella."
"Oh hey Alvin," she replied as her eyes twinkled from the rays of sunlight that struck her face. "Hope it wasn't stressful finding this place?"
"Nah! It wasn't."
"So… what's up? You said you wanted to tell me something important; you sounded quite serious."
"Yh, I am… uh… it's not really serious. I mean, it's serious but it's not that serious."
"Alvin, what's wrong? Are you okay? You're acting weird, weirder than usual, I mean."
I took a deep breath, pulling myself together. I was finally ready to say the three magic words but got interrupted by a phone call from Daniella's phone.
"It's my mum, sorry… hi mum," Daniella said while walking towards the restroom.
Damn it, Alvin, is 'I love you' so hard to say? I mean, you say it to Dad almost all the time, so what's so different with Daniella?
I'm so sorry, Alvin. Can we do this some other time? My mom asked me to come home immediately.
"Oh! Okay, yeah sure… is everything alright? Do you need me to come with you?"
"Oh no! There's no need; I can handle it."
"Okay, if you say so."
She hurried out of the coffee shop, and I followed soon after.
Damn it, Alvin, you're so stupid. You've waited so long to tell her how you feel, and there she was, sitting right in front of you, and you couldn't say even a complete sentence.
My phone made a gentle buzz, and I pulled it out of my pocket. As expected, it was my Dad who had sent a reminder of my mom's remembrance dinner later tonight.
On my way home, I noticed a really tall figure following me. The radiance from the sunlight wouldn't let me identify its face. My heart clenched in fear as I increased my pace but found the figure did the same. In fear, I let out a big scream, drawing attention to myself. "Why are you following me?" I turned around with the least amount of courage I could gather but found there was no one there.
What the hell? But… oh well, guess I was just imagining things. I let out a sigh of relief as I waved for a cab.